1956 Buick 40 vs. 1980 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1980 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Buick 40 would be higher. At 5,279 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Buick 40 (252 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Buick 40 should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Buick 40 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1980 Reliant Scimitar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1956 Buick 40 (462 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Scimitar. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1956 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Buick 40 | 1980 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Buick | Reliant |
| Model | 40 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5279 cc | 2790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 462 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2640 mm |
